Why buy a cavalier from a reputable breeder...
So often, I hear people say "I am not going to show or breed my dog. I just want a pet, so pedigree, AKC registration, and buying from a "breeder that shows" is not important to me. My response is "It sure should be!" A breeder that is showing their dogs is breeding according to the breed standard with respect to health, temperament, and structure. A breeder that shows their dogs is careful and considerate of their breeding program. The other type of breeder purchases two dogs, usually from another breeder just like them. They do not know/understand/care about anything other than producing puppies to sell.
HEALTH: Each purebred dog has their set of inherent health issues! A reputable breeder will start their breeding program with healthy dogs, and stay current on recommended health testing. A cavalier breeder will have their dogs health tested by a board certified cardiologist annually; will have their dogs tested by a board certified ophthamologist annually; and usually have their dogs hips, patellas, and elbows examined/x-rayed at around 2 years of age and certified by OFFA (the orthopedic foundation for animals). The other type of breeder will not follow these guidelines. They may not even have their dogs checked at all, or they will say "my dogs have been checked by my vet for all those things". THIS IS NOT THE SAME as having their dogs checked by a heart or eye specialist.
TEMPERAMENT: The breed standard says a Cavalier should be fearless and gay, gentle and affectionate. A cavalier that is exceptionally shy or aggressive is not acceptable. A careful breeder will take that into consideration when breeding. The other type of breeder does not care about temperament. Remember, they are breeding two dogs to make puppies and make money, nothing else.
STRUCTURE: Why does good structure matter to a pet owner? Good structure is important to every aspect of a dogs function. If they have poor structure, their "parts" (i.e. hips, elbows, etc.) may deteriorate at a young age, causing pain and misery for the dog, and the owner.
So why does a cavalier puppy from a reputable breeder cost so much more? Some (but not all) of the reasons are...
They buy their original breeding stock from a reputable breeder
They provide a clean and loving environment, making sure their dogs and the puppies are properly socialized
They maintain current health testing on their dogs, and are prepared to provide proof to perspective puppy buyers
They provide their pregnant girls with the absolute best nutrition, housing, and veterinary care
They do the same for the puppies
They do not let their puppies go to their new homes until at least 10-12 weeks of age
They carefully screen perspective puppy buyers...making sure that a cavalier is the right match for them, as well as trying to match the right puppy with the right family.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard this story...
Someone wants a cavalier. They do not want to spend the money to buy a cavalier from a reputable breeder. After all, they just want a pet. They buy a cavalier out of the newspaper for a fraction of what they would have spent with a reputable breeder. Sometimes they are fortunate and everything turns out okay...however often it doesn't. The puppy has health issues, and that breeder is gone in the wind. The poor owner is so attached to their dog by then, that they are willing to spend whatever it takes to make the dog better (heart meds, hip or patella surgery, etc.) Thousands of dollars later the light bulb goes on, and they realize they have spent way more on the inexpensive dog than they ever would have on the dog from a reputable breeder that is doing everything possible to breed healthy puppies. AND that breeder would always be around to support their puppy buyers, always ready to "stand behind their puppies".
There are no guarantees in life, especially with living breathing creatures (humans included). All we can do is try our best. As a breeder, we are stewards for the breed. Our dogs do not ask to be bred, it is our choice. So when doing so, we better darn well make sure we are doing the best job possible, making sure we always strive to breed according to the breed standard, so that each subsequent litter is better, stronger, healthier, and that they are a positive addition to the breed and the gene pool. This is what a reputable breeder does, this is why you should buy your cavalier from a reputable breeder.
